Poverty in Toronto
By: Michelle Lau - Outreach Worker in St. James Town
I was reading up on Toronto's Poverty Reduction Strategy, and I found this infographic.
Does any of this shock you?
Personally, I am shocked that education isn't working. 23% of college grads are working low-wage jobs. What kind of hope does this offer our students who are working hard to get into university and college? This makes me think that we should focus a little on employment at our EPIC Youth program.
Here is a prayer by Peter Graystone that resonates with me today:
I dare to pray: Lord, let the world be changed,
For I long to see the end of poverty;
I dare to pray: Lord, let the rules be changed,
For I long to see our economic structures bring justice to the poor;
I dare to pray: Lord, let my life be changed,
For I long to bring hope where the Good News is needed.
In the strength of your spirit
And inspired by your compassion,
I make this promise to work for change,
And I wait confidently for the day
When you make all things new
And those that weep will rejoice.